The Federal Communications Commission today launched the Data Innovation Initiative, the agency’s latest action to modernize and streamline how it collects, uses, and disseminates data.With this launch, the FCC continues the changes that were made as part of a comprehensive reform effort that is improving the agency’s fact-based, data-driven decision-making.To lead the Data Innovation Initiative, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski today established a new, cross-bureau data team, led by the agency’s first-ever Chief Data Officer.

“Smart policies depend on quality data, and public data should be accessible to the public in meaningful ways using modern digital tools,” said Chairman Genachowski.“The Data Innovation Initiative will accelerate the FCC’s progress toward becoming a model for excellence in 21st century government. Building on the exemplary work of our strategy planning and new media teams, I expect that the data team will both streamline and open up our data processes, institutionalizing positive change at the FCC.”

Modernization

As part of the Data Innovation Initiative, the FCC’s Wireline, Wireless, and Media Bureaus are today releasing public notices seeking input on what current data collections should be eliminated, what new ones should be added, and how existing collections can be improved. The public notices will also include inventories of the Bureaus’ current data collection.The notices grow out of a recent agency-wide survey led by the FCC’s Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis (OSP).

Data Team

Greg Elin, Associate Managing Director of New Media at the FCC will assume the newly created Chief Data Officer position.He will lead a team of Chief Data Officers from three FCC Bureaus for this initiative:Robert Alderfer, Chief Data Officer of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; Kris Monteith, Deputy Chief and Chief Data Officer, Media Bureau; and Steven Rosenberg, Chief Data Officer, Wireline Competition Bureau.Andrew Martin, Chief Information Officer, Office of Managing Director (OMD), as well as representatives of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, the International Bureau, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Engineering and Technology, OSP and OMD will also participate on the data team.

In addition, Michael Byrne has been appointed FCC’s first Geographic Information Officer, in OSP, who will lead the FCC’s work with the NTIA in creating a comprehensive national broadband map and develop practices for improving the FCC’s use of geographic information.

The launch of the Data Innovation Initiative, the appointment of the data team, and the release of the public notices follows other data innovations recently launched at the FCC, which include improving the search on ECFS, making more information machine-readable at www.reboot.fcc.gov/data, tools that allow consumers to test the performance of their broadband connections that can be found at www.broadband.gov, an interactive Spectrum Dashboard, and collaboration with the NTIA to produce a National Broadband Map